Highlights
- Every individual is at risk for the coronavirus: Union Ministry of Health
- Only asymptomatic staff and guests will be allowed entry to malls
- Using masks, following social distancing norms is mandatory
New Delhi: The world is still struggling to cope with the challenges raised by COVID-19, but it’s time to get on with life and learn to live with the virus. Many experts believe that COVID-19 is here to stay and our lives will have to adjust accordingly. India too, after being in lockdown for over two months, is beginning to ease the restrictions. Following the suit, restaurants, hotels and shopping malls have reopened across the country, with the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare guidelines to follow proper measures and avoid of the spread COVID-19.
Primarily, the ministry has warned that every individual is at risk for the coronavirus and if infected, can spread the infection to others in crowded places.
Also Read: India’s Coronavirus Cases On A Continuous Rise, Country Should Focus On Hotspots: AIIMS Chief
Generic measures for all malls, hotels and restaurants include mandatory usage of face masks, following social distancing norms, washing or sanitising hands frequently. Furthermore, each individual visiting these places will be thermally screened and staggered to maintain at least 6 feet distance, especially while standing in a queue. Self-monitoring of health, using Aarogya Setu app, and immediate reporting of illness is recommended by the Ministry guidelines.
These preventive measures also prohibit spitting and encourage respiratory etiquettes like covering mouth with tissue or napkin while sneezing or coughing.
Also only asymptomatic people will be allowed entry to malls, restaurants and hotels, these include guests as well as staff, as per the guidelines. There will also be a separate entry for staff and workers, and goods and supplies.
Also Read: Indian Council of Medical Research Issues Advisory On Antigen Detection Test For COVID-19
The management at these establishments has ensured specific markings for sufficient social distance and proper management in parking lots and outside the premises. Each of these establishments are also mandated to have standees, posters and AV media on COVID-19 preventive measures, the ministry has directed.
When it comes to sanitisation, the Union Ministry of Health has directed the management to practice effective and frequent cleaning and disinfection using 1 per cent sodium hypochlorite, especially in frequently touched surfaces, lavatories, and drinking and handwashing stations, along with routine deep cleaning of washrooms.
Vallet parking at these places will be operational, with regular disinfection of steering, door handles and keys as well as mandatory usage of mask and gloves for the staff.
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The Ministry of Health has also issued a specific set of preventive measures each for hotels, restaurants and malls.
At restaurants, take-away and delivery of food is encouraged, paper napkins will replace any usage of cloth napkins and the seating arrangement in restaurants will ensure that the capacity if not more than 50 per cent. Tables will be sanitised after each costume leaves from dining in. Contactless ordering and digital payment is also advised for restaurants.
Guidelines for Restaurants on preventive measures to contain the spread of #COVID19. (2/2)
#TogetherAgainstCovid19 #BadalkarApnaVyavaharKareinCoronaParVaar #HealthForAll #SwasthaBharat #CoronaOutbreak #Unlock1 pic.twitter.com/Q6V7sWej4L
— Ministry of Health (@MoHFW_INDIA) June 12, 2020
In the restaurant kitchens, the staff is also required to follow social distance and the kitchen area will be sanitised at regular intervals, the restaurant guidelines say.
Also Read: Unlock 1: Guidelines For Religious Places To Prevent The Spread Of COVID-19
At hotels, communication between room guests should be through intercom or mobile phones to avoid direct contact. Travel history, medical condition and self-declaration forms will be filled by each guest at the time of check-in. Their luggage will also be disinfected before sending to the room.
Guidelines for Hotels on preventive measures to contain the spread of #COVID19. (2/2)
#TogetherAgainstCovid19 #BadalkarApnaVyavaharKareinCoronaParVaar #HealthForAll #SwasthaBharat #CoronaOutbreak #Unlock1 pic.twitter.com/5TgsMq0brj
— Ministry of Health (@MoHFW_INDIA) June 12, 2020
Also, instead, if dine-in, room service is encouraged, which will be left at the door by the staff.
Rooms and service areas will be sanitised after each check-out. The staff for housekeeping as well as room service will be thermally screened at frequent intervals. Staff and waiters at the hotels and restaurants will also wear gloves at all times. On the other hand, disposable menus will be used in these places, to further avoid coming in touch with the infection.
Also Read: Is The Country In Community Transmission Stage? Experts Say ‘Not Yet’
In malls, there are a fixed number of costumers allowed inside the store depending upon the size of the store, to ensure physical distance. For elevators too, a limited number of people are allowed while at the escalator, people can stand on alternate steps.
Guidelines for Shopping Malls on preventive measures to contain the spread of #COVID19. (2/2)
#TogetherAgainstCovid19 #BadalkarApnaVyavaharKareinCoronaParVaar #HealthForAll #SwasthaBharat #CoronaOutbreak #Unlock1 pic.twitter.com/J7UH6DF8IP
— Ministry of Health (@MoHFW_INDIA) June 12, 2020
Food courts will follow the same guidelines as restaurants while gaming, children play area and movie halls will remain shut in malls.
Lastly, people aged more than 65 years, less than 10 years, pregnant women and people with comorbidities such as diabetes, hypertension, among others are advised to stay home and not visit these public places.
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